Hays Travel is seeking an experienced and commercially driven travel leader to take ownership of our Long-Haul commercial proposition and lead the next phase of growth across this strategically important category.
This newly created senior leadership role will be responsible for defining and delivering the commercial strategy across our Long-Haul portfolio, driving revenue, profit and passenger growth whilst ensuring Hays Travel remains competitive within an evolving travel market. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on commercial delivery, requiring a leader who can influence internally, build strong supplier partnerships and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Key Accountabilities
Commercial Leadership
- Define and deliver the Long-Haul strategy aligned to Hays Travel's wider business objectives.
- Drive revenue, profit, margin and passenger growth.
- Identify new commercial opportunities across destinations, products and supplier partnerships.
- Develop annual and seasonal trading plans to maximise sales performance.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities.
Supplier Partnerships
- Build and strengthen strategic relationships across airlines, tourism boards, hotel groups and ground partners.
- Lead commercial negotiations to secure competitive agreements, exclusives and marketing investment.
- Deliver robust joint business plans with key partners.
- Maximise supplier contribution through measurable ROI and commercial performance reviews.
Trading & Product Performance
- Lead the development and optimisation of the Long-Haul product portfolio.
- Work closely with Product, Marketing, Retail, Ecommerce, Homeworking and Contact Centre teams to maximise sales opportunities.
- Drive pricing, promotional and campaign strategies that increase conversion, margin and profitability.
- Ensure product mix reflects customer demand and commercial objectives.
Insight & Decision Making
- Analyse sales, margin, conversion and customer performance data to identify opportunities and risks.
- Develop forecasting and performance reporting frameworks.
- Present strategic recommendations and performance updates to senior stakeholders.
- Use customer insight and market intelligence to shape future direction.
Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing commercial team.
- Create a culture of ownership, accountability and collaboration.
- Support succession planning and future talent development.
- Act as a visible and influential senior leader across the wider Hays Travel business.
Experience & Capability
The successful candidate will bring:
- Significant senior commercial experience within the travel sector.
- Deep Long-Haul destination, airline and product knowledge.
- Strong supplier network and industry credibility.
- Proven success delivering revenue, margin and profit growth.
- Experience negotiating high-value commercial agreements.
- Strong understanding of travel industry economics and supplier funding models.
- Excellent analytical capability, commercial judgement and strategic thinking.
- Demonstrable experience leading, developing and inspiring teams.
What Success Looks Like
The individual appointed will:
- Establish a clear and sustainable growth strategy for Long Haul.
- Strengthen key supplier relationships and unlock greater commercial value.
- Increase market share, revenue and profitability.
- Create a differentiated Long-Haul proposition that supports Hays Travel's future ambitions.
- Be recognised internally and externally as a credible commercial leader within the industry.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a commercially astute travel professional who combines deep Long-Haul expertise with strong strategic leadership capability.
The ideal candidate will be known for building successful partnerships, leading commercial growth and translating strategy into results. They will possess excellent influencing skills, a passion for the travel industry and the ability to inspire teams whilst operating effectively at senior leadership level.
Why Hays Travel?
This is an opportunity to join the UK's largest independent travel agency and play a significant role in shaping the future direction of our Long-Haul proposition. The successful candidate will have the autonomy, profile and support to make a meaningful commercial impact whilst working alongside a highly experienced leadership team.
At Hays Travel, our SMILE values are at the heart of everything we do, shaping how we work together and deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.
Supportive
Motivational
Innovative
Loyal
Excellent
Hays Travel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all colleagues. As an accredited employer provider of apprenticeships, we undertake basic checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety of our apprentices for relevant roles.
